2I 6 DISEASES OF THE DOMESTIC ANIMALS 



general infection accompanying or following parturition in all 

 domestic animals, but more commonly in carnivora and cows. 



Causation. — Bacterial infection from within or without. 

 Streptococci, colon bacilli and other purefactive organisms are the 

 most frequent specific microorganisms. Retained after-birth or 

 membranes are most often the cause in forming a nidus for the 

 growth of germs. In hard labors the bruising and laceration of 

 tissue may lead to absorption of necrosed tissue and fever without 

 septicemia — that is, without the entrance of germs or their products 

 into the circulation. This is sapremia and can be distinguished 

 from septicemia by the fact of its occurring immediately following 

 labor and being of a milder type. The introduction of germs by 

 the attendant's hand is a most common cause. Infection from in- 

 fected premises is a most important source of the disease. A dead 

 fetus, pre-existing local infections of the pelvic organs, and absorp- 

 tion of colon bacilli into the circulation from the intestines, during 

 parturition, are acknowledged etiological factors. 



Symptoms. — Puerperal fever is recognized by the occurrence 

 of fever within the first four days following labor, accompanied by 

 signs of local infection of the vagina and uterus. There are swell- 

 ing, redness, ulceration, diphtheretic patches, foul discharge, etc., 

 in the vagina, and the womb is soft, not properly contracted, and 

 very friable. There is much general depression and weakness, 

 rapid pulse, loss of appetite and sometimes in virulent infections 

 (colon bacilli) the temperature may be normal or subnormal. 

 Colic, diarrhea or constipation, and nervous symptoms, as rigors, 

 twitching of muscles, and stupor, are frequent. Puerperal fever is 

 distinguished from the paralytic form by the existence of local in- 

 flammation of the genital organs and (usually) high fever. It is 

 extremely fatal unless treated at the earliest stage. 



Treatment. — i. Remove the local sources of infection and 

 employ local antiseptic measures. 2. Maintain the strength of the 

 patient. 



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